Program for women and babies opens to the entire county

Build up a mother and you build up a child -- and a family and community.

That's the thinking behind the Nurse-Family Partnership which has expanded into all of Perry County.

The program, based on a national model, is operated through Sadler Health Center in Carlisle. Previously, the program was open to mothers-to-be in the western end of the county only. That region was part of the Carlisle Area Health and Wellness Foundation, which financed the program.

In addition to the private funding, the program now has state funding which has fueled its expansion. "That state funding is new to us. That's why we've been able to expand to include all of Perry County," said Melissa Manning, program director for the partnership.

Relationships are the key to the program's success in reaching its goals of ensuring a healthy pregnancy outcome, healthy child development and economic self-sufficiency. The relationship begins early in pregnancy and continues with biweekly visits until the child is 2 years of age. "It's a home visiting service, so it's rather intensive," Manning said.

The visits focus not only on the three main program goals, but also on the dreams and goals of the mothers. Fathers also are involved, but the mothers are the ones officially enrolled in the program. "Everybody's dream is different. We listen to what that is and tailor a plan according to that," Manning said.

In its initial stages, the visits involve a "lot of conversation and a lot of listening on our part," according to Manning. The program involves a lot of teaching, but the nurses first have to get to know the moms and discover their needs. They then can help them through a standard curriculum along with supplemental worksheets that deal with specific topics of interest to the mother.

The partnership firmly believes that the mothers are the experts on their own lives and works to focus on the strengths that they have, Manning added.

After the birth of the child, visits expand to include activities that enhance the baby's development and strengthen the emotional bond between mother and child. The partnership also conducts periodic developmental screenings for babies, as well as screening for post-partum depression for mothers who often don't recognize the symptoms.

Throughout the program, the partnership makes sure there are no transportation problems in getting mothers to doctors' appointments. They also work to strengthen the mother's support network. "We come to wherever they are, wherever home is," Manning said.

Nationwide, the program has seen results as proven through clinical trials. They have found that children did better in school, had higher test scores, fewer instances of incarceration and fewer instances of foster care.

Participation in the program has been moderate in the western end of the county, but never ran at full capacity. Manning said that was likely because clients simply weren't there.

Now, the partnership is working on outreach to let pregnant women know the service is available countywide. They presented a short program during a food distribution day at the Bread of Life Outreach and have put brochures in stores in the Newport area. "It's just a matter of educating the community that we are here," Manning said.

Potential participants in the program must meet certain criteria:

be less than 28 weeks pregnant,

be a first-time parent, and

be at 236 percent of the poverty level or less.

"That's all we care about," Manning said. "They can be any age. They don't have to have health insurance.'

She added that if a potential client does not have health insurance, the partnership will help them to apply for it.

The program is free. Manning advises that pregnant women interested in the program call Sadler Health Center even if they aren't sure they meet the qualifications. The phone number is 1-866-723-5377 ext. 4323.